• Title: The Grammar School Reader
• Author: William D. Swan
• Publisher: Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co.
• Estimated year of printing: 1848

Notes:

Sticker: “Sold by N.F. Merrill, Bookseller, Manchester, NH”

“Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1848, by William D. Swan, in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of Massachusetts”

As best I can tell, this is one of the oldest books in my collection.  It is not in great condition (the cover is nearly completely disconnected, and some foxing), however it has an amazing history that makes it one of my most prized books.  This book belonged to my great-Grandmother.  She passed away when my mother was 5 years old, and then the book passed to my mother.  My mother kept this book with her through each move and milestone of her life.  She gave me this book when I was 40, after I had started collecting antique books.

For dating this book, the primary clue to go by has been the year 1848 referenced as when it was entered in to the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of Massachusetts — similar to a copyright date. There are no later dates to use in order to associate it with a later edition.

This book was published by Thomas, Cowperthait, & Co., who focused on school books before expanding into atlas’ and maps.  There was an edition, with the same copyright reference, published by Cowperthwait, Desilver, & Butler in 1855.  However, that edition clearly states 1855 on the cover beneath the publishing company.

A sticker on the inside cover states that this book was sold by N.F. Merrill Bookseller in Manchester, NH.  I could not find any more information about this bookseller.

Historical Context:

When this book was published, James Polk was President of the United States.  There were 30 states, Wisconsin was the newest.  The Mexican-American war, triggered by the annexation of Texas, ended in 1848.  It would be another 13 years before the Civil War starts. This book was printed during the period of time when the Oregon Trail was being heavily travelled for westward emigration, roughly 1846 – 1869.